Baked layered brinjal with ham

• 500 g medium brinjal
• 85 ml olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 125 g wafer-thin chargrilled ham, torn
• Basil leaves a handful
• 2 x 200 g Woolworths ready-made Napoletana sauce pouches
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C.

2. Slice the brinjal very thinly lengthways. Moisten with olive oil, season and smear with the garlic.

3. Layer the brinjal alternately in an oiled baking dish with the ham, basil leaves, Napoletana sauce and Parmesan. Repeat twice, ending with sauce and cheese. Cover with baking paper and bake for 45 minutes or until the brinjal is very tender.

Cook’s note: Leave out the ham if you prefer a vegetarian dish.